I spend a lot of time reading because this is the easiest way to learn from smart people. A book that is not necessarily about personal finance but is remarkable in helping us becoming better decision makers is "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson. I had heard about this book for some time and my brother-in-law was reading it when I saw him a number of years ago but I finally borrowed it from the library.
In case you do not want to read it, here are the top five takeaways:
Prioritize what truly matters: The author argues that people waste a lot of time and energy on things that don't really matter in the grand scheme of things. Instead, he suggests focusing on what truly matters to you and letting go of the rest. I had earlier written about shopping according to your values because otherwise you will end simply responding to commercials and influencers.
Embrace pain and discomfort: Manson encourages readers to embrace discomfort and accept the challenges that come with pursuing meaningful goals. He argues that growth and personal development often require us to step outside of our comfort zones and face difficult situations. For instance, I have written earlier about cutting back on spending in order to save and invest. Any one who is not willing to undergo the discomfort and pain of living with less will never be wealthy.
Take responsibility for your life: According to Manson, one of the keys to personal growth and happiness is taking responsibility for your life. This means accepting that you are responsible for your own emotions, actions, and choices, and that you have the power to make positive changes in your life.
Accept negative experiences: Manson points out that negative experiences and emotions are an inevitable part of life, and that we should learn to accept and embrace them rather than trying to avoid them. He suggests that accepting the negative aspects of life can actually help us appreciate the positive ones more. As someone who has to sell in order to make a living, I know the feeling of rejection multiple times a day, but I simply think of this pain as a learning opportunity and keep moving on to the next buyer.
Live in alignment with your values: Finally, Manson emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with your values. He argues that when we live in accordance with our core values and beliefs, we feel more fulfilled and happy, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.